Mildred Pierce

Mildred "Millie" Pierce, a beacon of creativity and courage, passed away on July 7, 2024, at the age of 94, in Greenville, SC. Born to the late Louie Ginn Sr. and Alva Ball Ginn, Mildred's life was a tapestry woven with love, art, and the joy of discovery.

Mildred, affectionately known as Millie to her friends, was a woman of remarkable intelligence and creativity. Her passion for music and dance was evident to all who knew her, as she could often be found moving gracefully to the rhythms that spoke to her soul. Millie's hands were rarely still, as she channeled her artistic spirit into sewing, creating beautiful garments and intricate designs that reflected her keen eye for detail.

A lover of the open road, Millie relished the opportunity to embark on road trips, exploring the beauty of the world around her. Her love for the arts extended to painting, a talent she uncovered later in life, proving that her capacity for growth and self-expression knew no bounds. Millie's garden was a testament to her green thumb, a vision of color and life that flourished under her tender care.

Though in later years, Millie's sight dimmed, her indomitable spirit never wavered. She continued to inspire those around her with her unwavering determination and the courage with which she faced life's challenges.

Mildred's legacy is lovingly cherished by her devoted family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Loyal M. Pierce, her sisters, Lily "Boots" Hubbard, Mary "Toni" Paschal, her brother in laws, Fred Messer, Gordon Hubbard, Larry Williams, Don Paschal, and Jim, her daughter in law Elizabeth Danette Rucker, and her grandchild Ashlee Rucker. She is survived by her children, Leonard F. Rucker, Jr. (Elizabeth), Roger Rucker (Danette), and Sharon Rucker Hyres (Jody). Her memory will be held dear by her siblings, Frances Messer, Doris Williams, Linda Hudson (Jim), Louie "Buck" Ginn Jr. (Brenda), and Susan Matthews (Gwyn), along with the rest of the family and friends.

Millie's grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy, will continue to honor her legacy: Clary Rucker Kirts (Scott), Kristin Rucker Freo (Phil), Justin Hyres (fiancée Bernice Mirabal), Allison Hyres (fiancé Jesse Sanders), Christopher Rucker, and Lisa Rucker.

Mildred Pierce's life was a journey of passion, resilience, and creativity. She will be remembered as a woman who lived her life with a full heart and a vibrant spirit. Her intelligence shone through in every conversation, her creativity in every endeavor, and her courage in every challenge she faced.

As we bid farewell to Mildred, we celebrate the indelible mark she has left on the hearts of all who were privileged to know her. Her laughter, her wisdom, and her zest for life will echo through the generations. Millie's story does not end with her passing but continues in the lives of those she touched, in the beauty of the world she so cherished, and in the dance of life that she embraced with such fervor.

In honoring Mildred's remarkable life, we reflect on the joy she found in the simplest pleasures, the love she bestowed upon her family, and the inspiration she provided to all. Her journey on this earth has concluded, but the memories she created will remain, as vibrant and enduring as the gardens she once tended with such love and care.